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Vasco: The Chicolna-Bogmalo Panchayat has opposed the clause in the new Major Ports Bill which gives full autonomy to the Ports over port lands if it comes in force. The Governor has already been apprised regarding the impact that the clause in Major Ports Authority Bill will have on Local and State Government powers. The Government now needs to coordinate with the Centre to protect theirs and interests of many other Goans in and around the port areas in Goa.

The Central Government plans Corporatisation of the Major Ports by making it into an authority. However, a clause in the Bill gives full authority to the Port Authority over the land. The environmentalists and niz Goenkar have expressed fear over Goa and Goans losing their entire say in port matters if the Bill becomes a law.

Chicolna-Bogmalo is one of the many panchayats which is going to be affected due to the clause. Hence they have resolved against the clause. It has been informed that the Chicalim Panchayat too is going to discuss the matter at their upcoming meeting.

The Mormugao Municipal Council has already resolved against the amendments and written to the Urban Development Authority regarding the opposition to the Clause. Six village panchayats and coastal areas like Arrossim, Cortalim and also Betul in Quepem come under the MPT Jurisdiction.

Savio Correia, an activist from Vasco, said that the Captain of Ports too has, after having officially correspondence from the Governor’s office said that it will have infringement effect on Goan local and State Government but has said that since it is a Central Bill the Government needs to take it up.

“We will have to get rid of the clause and the results won’t be pleasant for both the people as well as the Government. We are okay with the corporatisation of ports but not blanket autonomy to them,” Savio said.

Now the opinions of eight various Government departments is pending and the reply of all the remaining panchayats to the BDO is also awaited. [H]